ASPECTS
a monthly devotional journal
by David S. Lampel
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Issue #135 February 2002
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PC or BC-- which R U?
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There is an insidious, exasperating, infuriating but fascinating
scourge upon our land. It weaves its way through school and
government, market and home; it touches our lives in ways
unimagined as little as fifteen or twenty years ago. What is this
hideous scourge? Is it a strange new virus, a plague to snatch
away our children and shorten our own lives? Is it a gruesome
clone of a prehistoric beast, rampaging through our cities to
squash trailer parks and small wood-frame houses? No, it's
neither of these.
It's called "political-correctness"--"PC", for short.
Today we live in a world where children, in their schools, are
routinely taught how to use condoms when they have sex, but these
same schools will not permit anyone to speak the name of Jesus.
Most schools will permit the wearing of a t-shirt printed with
the words "Gay Pride," but not one printed with "Straight Pride."
We live in a world where television news, Hollywood films,
magazines and newspapers routinely permit just about any subject
to be publicized under the First Amendment's "freedom of
speech,"--so long as that speech is not about the Christian God,
or worse, Jesus Christ.
The latest example of this scourge came to light a few weeks ago
when it was revealed that the curriculum at certain public middle
schools in California includes the teaching of Islam to a depth
heretofore unknown. The "simulations" include role playing,
costuming, reading and memorizing of verses from the Koran,
taking a Muslim name, learning the tenets of the Islamic faith,
and staging a pretend jihad--that is, carrying out the religious
duty of a war against infidels (unbelievers), or enemies of
Islam.
The public schools in California so stealthily slipped this
course into the 7th grade curriculum that even another 7th grade
teacher, Elizabeth Christina Lemings, was totally in the dark
that this was being taught until her son, Joseph, who is a 7th
grader in the same school where she teaches, brought home the
handouts.
"We could never teach Christianity like this," Lemings
said during an on-site interview. "We can't even mention
the name of Jesus in the public schools, but over
there.," she pointed to the building next to hers, "they
teach Islam as the true religion, and students are
taught about Islam and how to pray to Allah." (ASSIST
News Service)
Today, Islam--especially, remarkably, post-September 11--is
politically correct, while Christianity remains the butt of low
humor. But, by the curious rationale of today's entertainment
industry, if Christianity is portrayed in a favorable light, in
television shows or movies, then it must be of the Catholic
variety; protestant evangelicals must still be portrayed as
buffoons. Today certain things are lauded, while other things are
treated with disdain, and all must stand before the bar of
politically correct justice. But then, as Solomon wrote,
That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
Jesus, too, lived in a political world. The Jewish people had all
kinds of political parties: the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots. In
addition, there were the unavoidable politics of being ruled over
by the Roman Empire. Some things were permitted, others frowned
upon, and it was not politically expedient to be branded a
trouble-maker. But with all of that, Jesus did not waste much
energy trying to be politically correct.
Let's pretend. It is less than a week before Jesus is to be
crucified. He is in Jerusalem, and just about to enter the
temple. Let's pretend we are privy to an imaginary, inaudible
conversation between Jesus and an emissary from the Father of
Lies.
Beedy-Bub: Listen, Jesus, before you go in there, let's talk.
Jesus: I can't hear you over the clamor of commerce.
Beedy-Bub: Well, that's what I'd like to chat about.
Jesus: You're wasting my time.
Beedy-Bub: Listen, people have to make a living.
Jesus: Not in my Father's house.
Beedy-Bub: Anyway, the Jews aren't calling the shots--the Romans
are.
Jesus: What little you know of things. They have no more power
than you.
Beedy-Bub: All right then, what about your own people?
Jesus: What about them?
Beedy-Bub: Think of what you could do for them. How will they
ever hear your message if you're arrested--or worse?
Jesus: The Father's truth doesn't live or die by the frailty of
this flesh.
Beedy-Bub: Jesus, listen: How will it look? Your thrashing about
isn't going to help your cause at all. It'll only make
people mad--the wrong people. Trust me, you don't want to
offend them.
Jesus: But I've come here to offend. Now, get out of my way.
At some point in his or her walk with the Son, the Christian must
decide: Will I be politically correct, or Biblically correct.
Will I bend and sway with the fickle customs of the earthly
powerful, or will I stand firmly for what I know to be the right?
Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and
began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the
temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and
the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not
permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He
began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'My house
shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But
you have made it a robbers' den." The chief priests and the
scribes heard this, and b seeking how to destroy Him; for
they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished
at His teaching. Mark 11:15-18
RIDING THE WAVES
When I was a child, growing up in the '50s, they were called
"negroes." If you referred to people with black or brown skin as
being "colored," it was considered a derogatory remark,
identifying the speaker with examples of the worst, deep-south
form of racism. Later, in the '60s and '70s, most dark-skinned
individuals preferred to be called "black," as in "Black Power."
Forgetting to use the prescribed terminology in conversation
could elicit dark looks of contempt from individuals of most any
skin color.
Then later, some decided that "Afro-American" or
"African-American" would be the label of choice. Now, in these
early years of the twenty-first century, we have been told that
people with black or brown skin are to be referred to as either
"African-American," "black," or, encompassing also a number of
other groups, ideally: "people of color" (as if those belonging
to the Caucasian race have no color).
Now, would someone please enlighten me: What is the essential
difference between the terms "people of color" (good) and
"colored people" (bad)?
This is the fundamental problem with trying to be politically
correct. It is like lying: you are never quite sure what has been
said before and never sure who to agree with. Or it is like
fashion: just when you have finally pieced together the most
fabulous ensemble, you discover that it has become abruptly
unfashionable. Just when you have memorized what is In and what
is Out, the In has become the Out and the Out the In!
The Bible has a way of referring to this way of living:
wind-blown.
In Paul's letter to the Christians at Ephesus, he describes for
them the healthy body (church), in which there is mutual love,
humility, gentleness; a family in which everyone contributes
toward the equipping of everyone else. And the result?
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and
there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine,
by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all
aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the
whole body, being fitted and held together by what every
joint supplies, according to the proper working of each
individual part, causes the growth of the body for the
building up of itself in love. Ephesian 14-16
We are often told to "vote our conscience"--as if our conscience
were the ultimate arbiter of what is good and right. But the
mature Christian--the one who has been nurtured by a supportive,
affirming body; the one who has studied under the ministry of
God, rather than the spurious counsel of the world--is one who
has learned how to differentiate between the whisperings of
conscience and the counsel of the Spirit. Our conscience is too
easily influenced by a world in which wrong is made to be right
by whichever group carries the biggest stick.
The Christian has no business trying to be politically correct.
His or her energies should be focused on being, instead,
Biblically correct. Trends and fads and political agendas become
little more than annoying, buzzing flies about the head of one
who has his eyes set only on Jesus.
In the current political and media-soaked climate, it is a
challenging but ultimately rewarding strategy to keep Paul's
teaching in mind. It is helpful to remember that it is precisely
those who ride the crest of every fashionable cause--be it gay
rights, ozone depletion, whales, global warming, destruction of
rain forests, or the most momentarily polite terminology for some
sub-group--who are the infants, and it is those who speak the
truth of Christ in love who are the mature.
____________________
The church can be a place of strength and Bible-based
encouragement, or it can become a mirror of the society in which
it dwells. The modern trend is toward "feel good" churches: low
impact, no pain. An article in the Des Moines Register several
years ago described just such a church (as told by its pastor):
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., late enough for people
to sleep in. They will be over by 11:30, usually
earlier, to get people home in time for football games
and other activities. There will be no collection
plates, to avoid the "guilt trips" people have about
contributing to a church. A box for offerings will be
placed at the back of the church. [The Pastor] also said
he does not believe in Sunday School. "You tie up so
many people in service activities they don't get out
into the neighborhoods." is to make church
non-threatening. "Never would I say, 'Turn to your
neighbor and shake their hand.' People want to be
anonymous."
I was encouraged by a letter to the editor that followed a few
weeks later:
Churches that chase exclusively after what is
"contemporary" in our culture, be it music, preaching or
programming, unfortunately soon discover that it is a
never-ending game that the church always loses. The
church has a timeless message for people in an age of
increasingly rapid change. If there is any truth to the
maxim, "the medium is the message," maybe pastors and
other church leaders should not be so quick to assume
that people will settle for receiving a most precious
gift wrapped in cheap, disposable, ever-changing
packaging. (Philip Spencer, chair, Music Department,
Grand View College, Des Moines, Iowa)
A SURE FOUNDATION
On what do we stand against this sometimes overwhelming tide of
political correctness? If all about us the winds are blowing and
the waves crashing, upon what will we gain a sure footing against
the gale? Peter describes the situation perfectly:
And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been
rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of
God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a
spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual
sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this
is contained in Scripture: "Behold, I lay in Zion a choice
stone, a precious corner stone, And he who believes in Him
will not be disappointed." This precious value, then, is for
you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, "The stone
which the builders rejected, This became the very corner
stone," and, "A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense";
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word,
and to this doom they were also appointed. 1 Peter 2:4-8
Ancient builders would carve out of the living rock a massive
slab that would be carefully trimmed and smoothed and planed.
Once it was perfect, it would be placed into position to become
the cornerstone upon which the rest of a building would rest and
be aligned. If the cornerstone were of inferior quality, or set
on a bad footing, it would deteriorate and crumble, bringing down
the rest of the building with it. If the cornerstone were
positioned incorrectly, the entire building would be out of
alignment.
But, in a spiritual sense, the Christian has none of these
concerns, for our "building" rests upon the most perfect
Cornerstone ever fitted into place. It contains supernatural
strength and will not, during all of time, crumble under the
weight of its bearing load. It is aligned so perfectly, so
absolutely, that even Satan's foul breath cannot waft through the
cracks of the building it supports.
Curiously, however, this Stone that offers the believer such
solid footing, is the same rock that others trip over. Just as
Peter describes, Jesus continues to be an offense to those who do
not recognize Him as the foundation of everything eternal.
There are a lot of stubbed toes out there.
But the imagery of Jesus as a rock or stone is a little obscure
for some. What we are really talking about is truth.
Jesus said to [Thomas], "I am the way, and the truth, and the
life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." John 14:6
For the Christian, truth is objective; there is a truth sitting
out there waiting to be grasped, and His name is Jesus. Truth,
for the unbeliever, is subjective; his truth ebbs and flows with
the tides of human flotsam that wash upon his shore. Truth for
the unbeliever is influenced by his own temperament, feelings,
experience; it is defined by expediency, comfort, discomfort, and
peer pressure.
Truth, for the Christian, is rare, precious, and to be cherished.
Truth, for those without Christ, is cheap, convenient, and easily
swapped for tomorrow's new truth.
In Chili where the ground is subject to frequent
earthquakes, the houses are built of lowly height and of
unenduring structure. It is of little use to dig deep
foundations, and pile up high walls where the very earth
is unstable. It would be foolish to build as for ages
when the whole edifice may be in ruins in a week. Here
we see a lesson for our worldly schemes and possessions.
This poor fleeting world is not worth building our hopes
and joys on it as though they could last long. We must
treat it as treacherous soil, and build but lightly on
it, and we shall be wise. (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)
Though the angry surges roll on my tempest-driven soul,
I am peaceful, for I know, wildly though the winds may blow,
I've an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure.
Mighty tides about me sweep, perils lurk within the deep,
Angry clouds o'ershade the sky, and the tempest rises high;
Still I stand the tempest's shock, for my anchor grips the Rock.
I can feel the anchor fast as I meet each sudden blast,
And the cable, though unseen, bears the heavy strain between;
Through the storm I safely ride, till the turning of the tide.
Troubles almost 'whelm the soul;
griefs like billows o'er me roll;
Tempters seek to lure astray; storms obscure the light of day:
But in Christ I can be bold, I've an anchor that shall hold.
And it holds, my anchor holds;
Blow your wildest, then, O gale,
On my bark so small and frail;
By His grace I shall not fail,
For my anchor holds, my anchor holds.
(W. C. Martin)
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
The intent of the Bible was to provide a guide by which
all human beings could live in loving harmony with each
other. It is time that those of the religious right stop
judging gay people for sins that do not apply to them
and never did. (a letter to the editor of a local
newspaper)
The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.
(Shakespeare)
The writer to the Hebrews was not just spouting comforting
drivel, but doctrinal truth when he wrote:
For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives
help to the descendant of Abraham. Therefore, He had to be
made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become
a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to
God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For
since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered,
He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Hebrews 2:16-18
Jesus truly was challenged by many of the same temptations
experienced by us, including the temptation to go along with the
politically expedient--to blend in, to not be a bother, to not
rock the boat. Time and again, however, He met the challenge
brandishing only one weapon: the word of God. When Satan
whispered sweet nothings in His ear in the desert, Jesus answered
back with a shout:
"It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on
every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.' "
Matthew 4:4 (quoting Deuteronomy 8:3)
When the Pharisees and scribes felt it necessary and politic to
point out the soiled hands of His disciples, Jesus boldly pointed
out the soiled condition of their own hearts with:
"Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is
written:
'This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me.
'But in vain do they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.'
Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition
of men." Mark 7:6-8 (quoting Isaiah 29:13)
Even in the moment of His death, bearing the agonies of the world
upon his tortured body, Jesus quoted Scripture:
"Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit." Luke 23:46
(quoting Psalm 31:5)
Everything--everything must be tested by the eternal truth of
God's word. No politician, no lobbyist, no coalition of
activists, no neighborhood group, city council or ad hoc
committee can set the rules determining right from wrong.
God is right--He is the very essence of justice. His
righteousness does not stand outside the workings of our
day-to-day society; it is not something utterly detached,
pristine so as to be unreachable, even incomprehensible. God's
righteousness and justice--His right and wrong--stand beside us
every day in the checkout line; they sit with us as we watch the
evening news; they dwell within our minds as we share our
thoughts and positions with others.
God's word is eternal, and we need never guess. We need never
wonder what God might think if He were in this situation. For He
is, and His position is written for all time in the pages of His
book: the Holy Bible.
The Spirit breathes upon the Word, and brings the truth to sight;
Precepts and promises afford a sanctifying light.
A glory gilds the sacred page, majestic like the sun,
It gives a light to every age; it gives, but borrows none.
The hand that gave it still supplies the gracious light and heat;
His truths upon the nations rise: they rise, but never set.
Let everlasting thanks be Thine for such a bright display,
As makes a world of darkness shine with beams of heavenly day.
My soul rejoices to pursue the steps of Him I love,
Till glory breaks upon my view in brighter worlds above.
(William Cowper)
STATIONARY TRUTH
Like a mongrel pup chasing his tail, the purveyors and disciples
of the politically correct run endlessly in circles--never quite
accomplishing anything, and never believing in any one principle
worth a sacrifice. Because they do not believe in right or wrong,
they are, ultimately, neither. Because "right" is something of
their own invention, in their world everyone is always right;
because "right" is a constantly moving target, nothing in their
world can ever be wrong. And because the politically correct
repeatedly devise a new "truth" for each occasion, they do not
believe in absolute truth. For them, everything is truth, and
nothing is truth.
It's like living on roller skates... with a tailwind.
Jesus Christ does not just know what is right--He is right. Jesus
does not just know the truth--He is truth.
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His
glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of
grace and truth. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and
truth were realized through Jesus Christ. John 1:14,17
And those who are His followers are to have no truck with the
fickle whims of a fallen world. Truth and right, for them, are
absolutes. Let the world chase its tail, traveling in endless,
meaningless circles. But let the believer focus his life like a
laser on the one from above who brought with Him sacrifice,
purpose, substance, and ultimate, eternal truth.
____________________
Six Benefits of Being Spiritually Informed
Why is it so important to be well grounded in the truth of God?
Let me suggest six specific reasons. There may be many more, but
these six are essential. Each one is something we must personally
enter into.
* Knowledge gives substance to faith. On what do those who do
not know the truth rely? On emotion, on feelings, on someone
else's opinion, on a book, on tradition, or some other empty,
humanistic hope. And the result? Their faith lacks substance.
* Knowledge stabilizes us during times of testing. When we know
what God has said, and then we go through a period of pain when
the bottom virtually drops out of our life, we don't panic. The
knowledge we have gained stabilizes us and equips us with
essential, calming fortitude when the tests come.
* Knowledge enables us to handle the Bible accurately. By
knowing the general themes of Scripture, we are better able to
handle the Scripture intelligently and wisely.
* Knowledge equips us to detect and confront error. When you
know where you stand spiritually, no one can get you off course.
You can't be intimidated. Your antennae have been sensitized.
* It makes us confident in our daily walk. Show me a person who
stumbles along in their Christian faith, and I'll show you a
person who isn't exposing himself or herself to a consistent
intake of the Scriptures. Biblical knowledge and personal
confidence are like Siamese twins, inseparably linked together.
* A good foundation of spiritual truth filters out our fears and
superstitions. I think we would all be amazed if we knew how many
people operated their lives from superstition and fear. God's
truth has a way of silencing those erroneous voices that would
otherwise siphon our inner energy and immobilize us. (Charles R.
Swindoll, Growing Deep in the Christian Life: Returning to Our
Roots [Multnomah Press, 1986], 25-26)
O where are kings and empires now of old that went and came?
But, Lord, Thy Church is praying yet, a thousand years the same.
We mark her goodly battlements, and her foundation strong;
We hear within the solemn voice of her unending song.
For not like kingdoms of the world Thy holy Church, O God;
Though earthquake shocks are threatening her,
and tempests are abroad;
Unshaken as eternal hills, immovable she stands,
A mountain that shall fill the earth, a house not made of hands.
(A. Cleveland Coxe)
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Issue #135
February 2002
Aspects is Copyright (c) 2002 David S. Lampel.
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